Iran’s internet blackout fuels fear and isolation
Iran’s internet blackout fuels fear and isolation
As the conflict between the US and Israel intensifies, Tehran has endured relentless strikes, prompting the Iranian government to implement a nationwide internet blackout. Locals describe the situation as nearly ‘unbearable,’ citing the anxiety of not knowing where loved ones are or what is unfolding in real time. On Thursday evening, the capital was subjected to a barrage of attacks, with residents recounting low-flying fighter jets and devastating explosions. By early Friday, the Israeli military announced it had concluded its campaign targeting the core of Tehran and key regime infrastructure.
Escalation of tensions
US President Donald Trump delayed his threats to strike Iran’s energy infrastructure, contingent on Tehran lifting its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the US has stationed thousands of troops in the Middle East, leaving a ground invasion as a potential next step. Iranian state television claimed that the country was nearing victory over its adversaries, but its credibility has eroded significantly. A Tehran resident shared in a group chat:
‘We don’t watch state television anymore, and I hardly know anyone who still does.’
Another noted:
‘They only broadcast for themselves and their supporters.’
Shifting information landscape
The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) has long struggled to maintain public trust. A survey by the Iranian Students Polling Agency revealed that prior to the June 2025 Twelve-Day War with Israel, only 12.5% of Iranians relied on IRIB for news, down from 51% in 2017. Despite a 50% budget boost in March 2025, the broadcaster has failed to reclaim its former influence.
Many Iranians now depend on international outlets like DW, foreign state media, or social platforms such as Instagram. With over 24 million users in the country, these platforms serve as vital sources of information. However, they are officially restricted, leading people to use virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass the block. A VPN creates an encrypted connection between a user’s device and a remote server, enabling access to blocked content.
Internet shutdown and its consequences
Since the US-Israeli war began on February 28, the Iranian authorities have cut off internet access. Even VPNs require satellite providers like Starlink to function, but these are also banned. Users report paying up to ten times the usual cost for satellite connections. The Iranian Ministry of Intelligence has tracked and seized hundreds of Starlink systems across the country. Internet expert Keyvan Samadi explained to DW how security agencies monitor these devices:
‘Starlink devices emit signals to connect with satellites. Specialized equipment can detect these signals, and radio tracking helps pinpoint their locations.’
According to media reports, over 200 individuals have been detained since the war started, many linked to using banned systems. While some still access the internet through high-priced satellite services, others face financial strain due to the ongoing conflict and shuttered businesses. Despite this, many continue to pay more for connectivity, as the blackout adds to the psychological toll of the war. Residents emphasize that the loss of communication with relatives has heightened their distress, with uncertainty about events described as almost overwhelming.
This article was contributed by Danyal Babayani and translated from German.
